WHITE WOOD ASTER — Eurybia divaricata is the best edge plant for along driveways and walkways. Not only is it a beautiful 2-foot high perennial, topped with small white flowers that nourish our shrinking populations of vital pollinators from September through October, it also spreads quickly along the edge where field sparrows may bend the stems to the ground to eat the seeds.

Now, here’s the best part. Say, after a year or so in October you want more asters for a shady spot, simply break off a tall stem ready to set seed, about 6 inches above the ground, and stick it in the middle of the spot where the next breeze will throw its seeds.  Eventually, you’ll be gifting stems to your friends.